Chad Albrecht is a Master Gunsmith, Certified AR15 Armorer, and Technical Instructor.

He founded School of the American Rifle in 2015 which specializes in the quintessential “American Rifle", the AR15. His passion is sharing his technical knowledge and experience so his students can maximize reliability and accuracy potential from their AR15.

Since founding School of the American Rifle, Chad has steadily built and expanded that reputation to become one of the most highly sought after AR15 technical experts in the nation. To date, over 30,000 AR’s have been serviced by Chad in his capacities as a Gunsmith and Technical Instructor.

Background and Expertise:

In 2004 Chad completed a Gunsmith Apprentice Program under the tutelage of Master Gunsmith Scott Scharf. Employed by Scotts Gunsmithing, he served as a Gunsmith for over 10 years. During that period, Chad took an affinity to the AR15 platform, developing a reputation as Baltimore/Washington's premier AR15 Gunsmith. Chad is a perpetual student and never ceases to take classes when time and funds permit. 

Classes Completed & Scheduled:

🛠️Scheduled September 2026 - Noveske AR Armorer

🛠️Scheduled September 2026 -Windham Weaponry AR15 Armorer

🛠️Scheduled September 2026 -Ned Christiansen/Michiguns AR15 Armorer

🛠️Scheduled September 2026 -Ned Christiansen/Michiguns 1911 Armorer

🛠️Scheduled September 2026 -Colt Law Enforcement/Military AR15 & M16 Armorer

🛠️Scheduled September 2026 -Sons of Liberty Gunworks Advanced AR Armorer

🛠️Scheduled/May 2026 - Daniel Defense AR Armorer

🛠️Scheduled May 2026 - FN AR Armorer

🛠️Barrett M82A1/M107A1 Armorer- 2025

🛠️LMT MARS-L/AR Armorer - 2025

🛠️Doublestar AR Armorer - 2025

🛠️Sons of Liberty Gunworks Advanced AR Armorer - 2025

🛠️Colt Law Enforcement/Military AR15 & M16 Armorer - 2025

🛠️LaRue AR Armorer - 2025

🛠️IWI ZION/AR15 Armorer - 2025

🛠️IWI Tavor Armorer - 2025

🛠️Windham Weaponry AR15 Armorer - 2025

🛠️Ned Christiansen/Michiguns AR15 Armorer - 2025

🛠️Sons of Liberty Gunworks Advanced AR Armorer - 2024

🛠️AGI Online Certified Law Enforcement AR Armorer - 2024

🛠️AGI Online Certified AR Riflesmith - 2024

🛠️IWI ZION/AR15 Armorer - 2024

🛠️Windham Weaponry AR15 Armorer - 2024

🛠️Ned Christiansen/Michiguns AR15 Armorer - 2024

🛠️Ned Christiansen/Michiguns 1911 Armorer - 2024

🛠️Sig Sauer M400 Armorer - 2024

🛠️GLOCK Armorer - 2024

🛠️AGI Online Certified Glock LE Armorer - 2024

🛠️G4 Precision Online Extreme AR Accurizing - 2024

🛠️Freedom Crew University AR15/AR10 Build Certificate - 2024

🛠️Freedom Crew University Glock Certificate - 2024

🛠️LaRue AR Armorer - 2023

🛠️Colt Law Enforcement/Military AR15 & M16 Armorer - 2023

🛠️Sons of Liberty Gunworks Advanced AR Armorer - 2022

🛠️Scotts Gunsmithing - Gunsmith Apprenticeship - 2002 to 2004

Chad teaches his 2-Day Master AR-15 Armorer & Builder Course out of his shop in Elkton, Maryland. His Class covers intimate details of the rifle's operation, component interfacing, inspection methods, gauging, fixtures, reliability/accuracy enhancements, feed ramp work, springs, tooling, lubrication, and troubleshooting. Unlike most Armorers Classes, Chad prefers to teach in small groups (often 5-6 students) and teach a blend of Gunsmith & Armorer Techniques. You don’t have to be Law Enforcement, U.S. Military, or a Gun Industry Professional to learn from Chad. His Classes are filled with AR15 Enthusiasts, Competitive Shooters, Shooting Instructors, U.S. Service Members, and Law Enforcement Officers. Chad welcomes all students regardless of their experience.

Chad has collaborated & consulted numerous National & Local Manufacturers, and many send their employees to train with him. 

Philosophy:

“All AR15 parts are imperfect”. Getting imperfect things to work together perfectly together is possible with knowledge and skill. He welcomes all AR15 owners regardless of brand; emphasizes safety, fun, and depth education over basic "Armorer" Certifications. Chad believes without training and education, it’s not possible to fully exercise your Second Amendment rights.

Reviewers frequently praise his vast technical knowledge, classroom organization, use of specialized tools, gauges, fixtures, and teaching style that feels like learning from a knowledgeable friend in a safe, professional environment. Overall, the consensus in gun-building communities highlights his hands-on experience and value for serious AR enthusiasts or professionals.

As an alternative to in person Classes, he also offers Educational Content via SOTAR Society (Private Social Community), School of the American Rifle YouTube Channel, School of the American Rifle Facebook Page, SOTAR Armorer Enhancement Group (Private Facebook Group), and Instagram Page. 

When Chad isn’t teaching he offers industry consulting, AR15 Gunsmith Services, and manufactures numerous AR15 tools and gauges.

He has appeared in podcasts/interviews, such as on Sons of Liberty Gun Works, AR Build Junkie, Primary & Secondary, & GunStuff TV, and now Brownells Built to Last (Running Guns Hard).  From time to time he deviates from AR Only topics and creates content on 2A related policy matters (e.g., permitting costs for carry).

Chad believes so much in Education that he hosts an Annual Event called the Eugene Stoner AR15 Armorer Symposium. Its 2 weeks of back to back Armorers Classes from Manufacturers and Instructors. It’s an opportunity for individuals to take numerous Armorers Classes at one location in one block of time. To date School of the American Rifle has hosted Colt, Sons of Liberty Gunworks, LMT, Ned Christiansen of Michiguns, Greg Lee of Windham Weaponry, Rob Gee of LaRue, DoubleStar, and Tom Alibrando of IWI. In 2026 many of these Classes will return in addition to Noveske Rifleworks.

If you are interested in AR15 building, armoring, or deeper technical insight, check out the current Class Schedule.